Living life in the power of God

On Pat Robertson, Haiti, and Walking in Love

2010-01-14T10:49:00.001-05:00

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Eph 5:1-2 (ESV)

I have been considering this passage recently, and it has challenged me in a number of ways. The Apostle Paul is speaking very directly to how Christians should live their life, and the verses that follow go into practical detail on how this should be accomplished which is where most sermons head straight to, but for myself, I had a hard time getting past verse 1.

We are to be immitators of God. There is no way to be an immitator and not be DOING. We are to WALK in Love which is another example of word choice that implies DOING. We are not told to consider God, and talk about love. It's very clear that we are to be doing it daily.

Furthermore, we are to do this as beloved children. The opposite to this would be to do it as hired labour, or slaves. We are not forced to walk in love, but rather we are to do so with the simple freedom of a child, who lacks the cares (and fears?) of this world.

And why ought we be walking in love? Because Christ has so freely loved us and has given Himself as a sacrifice for us. If we have been loved so freely and completely as this, how dare we withold one ounce of love from others? How dare we keep it all to ourselves and not share it with others with reckless abandon?

If our actions and our message are the same, then we have a powerful message indeed! If, however, our actions do not match our words, we contradict ourselves, and reduce our Kingdom value to near zero. Of course, society at large doesn't like to talk about consequences to our actions. " I steal, but that doesn't make me a thief!" " I lied, but I'm no liar!" I cheated on my spouse a little, but I'm not an adulterer!" Yes, yes and yes. We are what we do. Its pretty simple that way, and no amout of rationalising can rid us of that simple truth. Paul challenges us to think positively, to use our actions as the proof of our words. To not just be talking about loving others, but to BE DOING IT! Wouldn't it be great if Christians were simply known as lovers of others!

Two illustrations readily present themselvs today that have brought this passage to my mind again. First, is the opportunity to demonstrate love by giving aid to the crisis in Haiti. The recent earthquake has devastated the Western world's poorest country, and estimates of the dead approach 100,000. Haitians are poor, with an "upper middle class" family earning around $500 a year. Full stop. I spent more than that on Christmas presents. I spend more than that for entertainment. Clearly, I have the capacity to help, and as a Christian- it's the opportunity to love others in a practical way in their time of disasterous need. Its a no brainer.

Of course, speaking of "no brains", there's the other reason I'm thinking of this today. In responding to the crisis in Haiti, Pat Robertson is helping raise funds to send (which is great!) but in so doing he has gotten himself quoted saying that the disaster was caused because of their "deal with the devil" generations ago when they were fighting the French for autonomy. He went on to point out that their abject poverty is the fruit of this deal, and compares them to the prosperous other half of the island (Dominican Republic) that has prospered. Out of context? Possibly. But its now "out there" none-the-less.

First off, I had the opportunity to be in Haiti this year. I spoke face to face with Haitians and asked questions about their country, and they told be about the poverty, and the challenges they face. (Next time you're on a cruiseship, think of the Haitian employees who consider themselves LUCKY to have a job that *might pay $1000 a year.) The poverty has far more to do with the unstable government than any pact with the devil. When governments change, companies risk losing their investment - no suprise then that few risk such "poor investments" then. At least companies like Royal Caribbean are doing things that help Haitians, helping to build some stability at least.

There will be consequences for Pat Robertson's comments that will be felt by all Christians. His gaffe costs us all some of our credibility with our friends and neighbours. In the immediacy of the Internet age, it barely takes a moment and Christianity has a black eye. Again. Theres no shortage of people throwing stones at Pat Robertson today, and I'll not join in that - only to say that in his presidency, Nixon struggled with the implications and immedfiacy of the new Media age, and today's religious leaders have clearly not learned from those 40 year old mistakes.

Here's the point for today... Helping Haiti is the right thing to do. Do it right now! For Christians it is more than just putting your money where your mouth is - it is an opportunity to live a life rooted in Jesus Christ in both word AND deed.

I urge you to consider how you can help. Extreme Response has people on the ground in Haiti and need our support.

You can follow this link to give by credit card, or you can contact them at:

Extreme Response
PO Box 1013
Simcoe On N3Y 5B3

Fearless Ministry

2009-09-04T08:56:00.006-04:00

Mr. Steadman asked me to do a little blurb on what fearless ministry means to me, I am by no means an expert, and if anything quite the opposite. But here are some thoughts from a simple mind;

This year as I look to reach out and share Jesus with university students, I believe that doing that fearlessly boils down to one very important question. Do I truly believe Jesus is the best thing; for myself, for others, for the world?

I myself would quickly answer yes to those questions. But are those answers congruent with my willingness and enthusiasm to show others who Jesus is? Am I living like I believe Jesus is the best thing for everyone? Or do I remain quiet and tip toe around opportunities to share Jesus with others? Deep down am I actually ashamed of Jesus?

In my mind, truly believing that Jesus is the best thing for everyone is the starting point of fearless ministry. How can we expect others to believe in something we don’t deeply believe in ourselves?

Do you truly believe that Jesus is the best thing for everyone?

-Ken Heidman is beginning a 1 year internship in Montreal with InterVarsity.

Final Quito Update

2009-07-07T21:53:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

Well, after 3 days to adjust and decompress, I guess it's time for one more "update" from the Quito team. By now, it's been a few days of back to work/school/summer vacation/camp, and from what I've heard from everyone, we're all adjusting well. The last few days of our trip were a whirlwind - I apologize for not getting out any updates after Wednesday, but I'll try and bring you up to speed as best I can right now.

By God's grace the weather held off for us the entire week, and we were able to finish all our projects (and more than we set out to!) by the time the kids arrived for the last VBS session on Friday. This included painting the entire exterior of the school building (three stories, 2 outdoor hallways), the exterior of a two-story outbuilding (the caretakers home), tiling an entire classroom, painting a second classroom, painting an office, and painting the dining hall. The kids were arriving at VBS literally minutes after we finished our painting...and the rain arrived 5 minutes after. We definitely saw God's hand on the weather - because when the rain came after the work was done, it was torrential.

The VBS program also ended on a high note, with nearly 250 kids in attendance (up from just under 100 on the first day!). I didn't totally understand the message that day (my spanish still needs some work), but a lot of hands went up at the end of the day when Ennie asked who wanted to invite Jesus into their hearts. The teachers and administrators of Nuevos Amigos were in attendance, and they are the ones that will be following up with these kids. This is where the partnership aspect of Extreme Response's strategy comes in...Extreme Response develops relationships with organizations that know the community so that connections and lines of communication with these kids preexist - so the staff from this school will be working with the kids that expressed interest on that last day! We were also able to provide every kid with a copy of the New Testament as they left that day - all 250(ish)!

It was an incredible ending to an incredible trip. As I look back to the 10 days we spent there, we were blessed with so many awesome experiences while we were there:

* our leadership training experience at El Refugio
* sharing time with the kids at the transfer station
* worshipping (in Spanish) with Pastor Jose and his congregation
* seeing the Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes being handed out after church that day
* watching as VBS attendance grew from 100 to 250 over five days
* experiencing perfect weather for working (and no rain during our work times)
* and so many more...

I know that many of you that receive this email helped support our team financially - so I'd like to close this final update by sharing a story that Dan Maloy shared with us on our final night in Quito. Under Extreme Response's structure, part of the financial support raised by short-term teams is allocated as a "project donation". This money is given to whatever project the team works on (in our case, the Nuevos Amigos School), to be used to purchase supplies for the project - while surplus funds are given to fulfill practical needs. In the case of Nuevos Amigos, the surplus project donation funds were used to fulfill payroll needs for the week that we were there. For whatever reason, Nuevos Amigos did not have monies available to completely pay the teachers completely - but through our financial support network (you guys!), all the teachers received their full paycheques!

What would this final update be without some praise reports and prayer requests! Praise God that:

* the team experienced safety throughout the trip
* 250 kids were exposed to God's Word
* we were able to completed the work we set out to accomplish
* we had no major issues clearing customs (both traveling there and home), and made our flight connections (and that our luggage made it there and home with us!)
* we had a fantastic support network in all of you!

Please pray for:

* a continued smooth transition to life back in Canada
* that the team would use the lessons we learned on our trip in a practical manner here at Richvale/in Toronto
* health - especially for Mark as he recovers from an intestinal bacterial infection
* Ryan and Stephanie, who are both now up at Mini-Yo-We doing LIT (they both left the day after we got home....pray for strength and energy, especially this week!!!)

Thank you all again for your prayers and words of support leading up to (and after!) the trip. The power of prayer is incredible, and we were able to experience that firsthand during our ten days in Quito. I guess this will be the last update...but based on how things went on this trip, I wouldn't be surprised if I find myself sending updates on behalf of this group traveling sometime again in the near future.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support,

The Quito'09 Team

PS - Some of the trip pics are available at http://dvm.smugmug.com - feel free to check them out!

The Quito Team 2009

2009-07-02T07:52:00.001-04:00

Quito Update July 1

2009-07-01T23:15:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update to let you know that we had over 200 kids at VBS today! (103 on Monday, 143 yesterday, 200+ today!!) It's been very cool to see our numbers grow, but I think we're now officially over capacity! We'll likely be revising our approach to VBS for tomorrow, as we're anticipating steady growth until the end of the week (unless we cut off registration...still figuring that out!) Also got a lot of work done today - lots of tiling and painting, and I think we're well on track to accomplish what we set out to do.

Have to run - we're just starting devotions. Please pray for Ennie, who does the lessons at VBS. She goes like crazy for an hour straight, so please pray for energy for her, and for all of us as we sort out logistics!

Also please pray for strength and energy as the week winds to a close - today was the toughest morning to wake up, and I don't think tomorrow will be any easier!

We are so thankful to have the backing of you all, and look forward to sharing our experiences with you when we get home.

The Quito'09 Team

Quito Update June 30

2009-07-01T23:11:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone,

It's been another busy day here in Quito! I apologize for not sending out an update yesterday...we've had some busy days. Our days (yesterday, today, and the rest of the week) have been spent working at a school called Neuvos Amigos (New Friends), where we've been doing some painting, tiling, and helping run the VBS program. We've had an incredible time, and been blessed with safety and fantastic weather.The VBS program hosts around 150 kids (at least as of today...yesterday was 103, and today it was 146). The kids are all incredible, and we've been surprised at how well we've been able to communicate with them, despite our limited Spanish (Leslie and Elizabeth excluded, of course - their language skills have made our lives easy!)

Please continue to pray for our safety, and our effectiveness as we work with people we interact with on a daily basis. I will continue to try and send a daily update, but I'm starting to realize that finding 20 minutes to type out an update is becoming more difficult as the week progresses!

We value your prayers, and are constantly referring to the prayer schedule setup for us! We're looking forward to seeing you all in a week!

The Quito'09 Team

Quito Update June 28

2009-06-29T07:31:00.002-04:00

Good evening from Quito!

I apologize for the briefness of tonight's update...but we're starting our day tomorrow at 6:30am - so I'm off to bed in a minute. Today we spent some time in worship at Pastor Jose's church, about 30 min from the team house. All of the worship was in spanish, but we had the chance to share two songs with the congregation in english. We also benefited from Tommy's (one of our hosts) translation skills, and had the entire sermon translated, word for word.

Our afternoon was spent at the middle of the world (0 lat, 0 longitude), where we had lunch and shopped. The highlight was qui (guinea pig). Ask your kids ;)

Anyways, I'm off to bed. I'm sorry for the briefness of this update...but sleep calls! Tomorrow is our first day of work...pray for us as construction begins and the VBS kicks off!

Will be in touch with a fuller update tomorrow.

The Quito'09 Team

Quito Update June 27

2009-06-28T11:19:00.001-04:00

I write to you on behalf of a team with sunburned lips and necks. Our entire today was spent at a leadership retreat about 30 minutes from the team house, call "El Refugio". The day was spent doing some team building exercises that included some games, low ropes activities, and high ropes activities. I won't give too many details on the activities of the day..there are lots of great stories that I'm sure everyone will bring home - so I'll let them pass them on to you all!

We enjoyed some "homestyle" food for dinner tonight....Pizza Hut delivery. Everyone is now either heading off to bed, or settling in to play some cards. We've ended up in bed progressively earlier each night...it will be interesting to see how long we last before crashing at the end of the week!

Specific praise items:
- another day of safety
- beautiful weather
- the growth we enjoyed both individually and as a team at El Refugio today, and the lessons that will translate directly to the work we do next week

Specific prayer items:
- preparation of the team for Monday's work. Everything to date has been a build up, of sorts, but the real work starts Monday (construction in the AM and VBS in the afternoon)

Just wanted to share a blessing with you that I experienced yesterday. While we were spending time with the kids in the daycare at the dump yesterday, I spent my time with a little boy named Estalin. We played on the playground for a while, and then he wanted to swing on the swings (which were on a hill overlooking the transfer station where the miners were working). I stood in front of Estalin, pushing him on
the swing, and after a few minutes, he smiled at me, and then leaned back and closed his eyes. I don't know how long that lasted for, but it was a perfect moment. Not 500m from a transfer station, where this boy's parents were picking through garbage to collect recyclables, this incredible kid found joy in circumstances that we can't even fathom. Just wanted to share that with you all as you move into your week (whether that's work, travel, or vacation). Today one of the key teaching points at the leadership center was an instruction to us to "choose joy" in all circumstances in our lives - the moment I had with Estalin yesterday was one where he chose joy - and I hope that you're all able to "choose joy" this week.

Until tomorrow,

The Quito'09 Team

Quito Update June 26

2009-06-26T18:17:00.002-04:00

Greetings from Ecuador! It's 3:45pm (Ecuador time), and we're all just relaxing and enjoying some down time. We've had a full day...

Before I get into the update, just wanted to let you know that we've all adjusted well to the travel and altitude. Everyone was a little bit spacey last night after a long day of travelling, but the team has recovered well in a short period of time. It was a good thing too, as we hit the ground running this morning...

The time change (one hour behind Toronto), along with a nice bright sun, made getting up early easy. We were up by 7, had breakfast and did a devotion, and were on the bus by 9:00am. This morning we visited the local "dump" (actually a transfer station), where Extreme Response does the majority of their ministry work. The ministry involves a daycare center, a medical center, and a full-time dump pastor (who we also met this morning). These ministries support the "miners", who dig through the garbage that arrives on garbage trucks in search of recyclable materials, which are then sold to buyers that reuse the materials. We spent about an hour playing with the kids from the daycare, who ranged in age from a few months to a few years old. There was a newly constructed park built by a team a few weeks ago, so we enjoyed that with the kids, until it was time to take them back to the
daycare. Afterwords, we met Jose (who is the dump pastor), who briefed us on the specific ministries (which include a Christmas party that served 4,000 people this past year!) We then went on a tour of the transfer station, where we saw the miners workings.

After our trip to the transfer station, we returned to the team house, made some lunch, and started working on prepping the crafts for the VBS we will be working at next week. The VBS will be hosting around 150 kids - so needless to say, we did a lot of cutting, sorting, and bagging of the craft materials! This wrapped up about an hour ago, and we've been enjoying the downtime to play some cards, do some
journaling, and connect with the Extreme Response staff (who are incredible people that have a passion for the work they are involved in). I think all we have on the schedule for this evening is dinner and some worship/devotion time, but don't hold me to that! We've been prepped to be flexible, and we'll see what the evening holds.

Specific praise items:
- a smooth adjustment to the altitude
- health and safety in our first day of work
- the incredible Extreme Response team that we've working with

Prayer items:
- continued health and safety
- prayer for Jose and his family, as they work with the miners and their children in the dump ministry
- prayer for the team, as we learn to work around the language barrier and strive to be effective help for the Extreme Response team

John just sent a copy of the prayer schedule that you all have setup, and it's incredible to see all the names on the list. We value your prayers, and we need them! Will be in touch again tomorrow,

The Quito'09 Team

Quito Day 1

2009-06-26T08:34:00.004-04:00

Just a quick update to let you all know that we've made it! It's 7:30pm (Ecuador time...so 8:30 in Toronto), and we're settling into our bunks, and getting organized for a meeting with the team down here. The trip here has been smooth - a real answer to prayer. No problems with customs in the US or in Ecuador....I think the only
"hitch" was a 45min delay in Miami due to some rain that held up flights.

I'll try and give you guys some unique prayer items every day - so for tonight (and heading into tomorrow), please pray for:
- adjustment to the altitude
- adjustment to our new schedule
- preparedness for the things to come this week!

I'm getting bumped off the computer, as our "briefing" meeting is kicking off! We'll be in touch with a more full update tomorrow night!

A Faithful Servant

2009-05-14T10:59:00.002-04:00

I have recently been considering those whom I have looked to as examples in their faith, in their love for family and others, and who have been role models for me. One such man was Howard Heidman, who passed away suddenly this past week, and I have the honour of sharing a few words at the service to celebrate his life today.

As I thought about what to say, and how to encapsulate my respect for Howard, I began considering Matthew 25, where Jesus uses different parables to teach us about his coming. Jesus tells us about the parable of the talents where 3 servants are given talents to manage until the master returns. The wicked servant was the one who did nothing with his talent, hiding it in the ground until the master returned. The good servant took his 5 talents and invested them, so that when the master returned, the servant was ready to give an account of how his talents had been invested and brought 5 more for the Kingdom.

Howard was a man busy doing his Masters work, investing his time and effort not only building houses of worship like Richvale, but also building into the lives of his family and those around him. And like the faithful servant in the parable, I know that he has heard Jesus say,

“Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master”

Howard lived his life ready to meet His Saviour, and he is an example of living life in the power of God. Praise the Lord he is home with his Saviour now!

Why I rejoice at Easter!

2009-04-09T13:38:00.003-04:00

As Easter arrives it reminds me that it is a time of remembrance and great REJOICING...
I am not even close to perfect...in fact the very fact that I am a Christian means that I accept that I am a deeply broken and sinful person. I have nothing to offer the God of the universe...absolutely nothing. All I have he has given me. All I can do is ask for mercy...beg. Nothing I could say would be good enough.Nothing can erase the huge amount of horrible things that are true of me. NOTHING BUT JESUS. The reason Easter is a celebration is because it is a time of remembrance of when God stepped in and decided out of LOVE and KINDNESS to rescue me BEFORE I knew I needed it. He has given me FREEDOM and proclaimed NOT GUILTY on my records. That is why I love God and that is why I serve God...out of deep thankfulness. That is why Easter is a time of REJOICING!

Not Guilty sung by Mandisa

Verse 1

I stand accused, there;s a list of my long
Of all my sins, of everything that I've done wrong

I'm so ashamed, there's nowhere left for me to hide
this is the day, i must answer for my life

My fate is in the Judges hands,
But then he turns to me and say's

Chorus

I know you, I love you
I gave my life, to save you

Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict, not guilty

Verse 2

How can it be, i cannot begin to comprehend
what kind of Grace, would take the place for all my sins

I stand in owe, now that i have been set free
As the tears well up, as i look at that Cross
Coz it should've been me

My fate was in the Lords sweet hands,
He stretched them out for me and said

Chorus

I know you, I love you
I gave my life, to save you

Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict, not guilty

Bridge

Im falling on my knees to thank You
With everything i am, I praise You
Some people pull the words i heard you say

Chorus
I know you, I love you
I gave my life

I know you, I love you
I gave my life, just to save you

Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict is, not guilty

Love paid the price, for Mercy
My verdict, not guilty x3

(you can listen to it here on Tangle)

On Being Missional

2009-04-03T11:34:00.006-04:00

John 17:18-26 (ESV)
18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

20 "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Here we have a glimpse of what it means to be "missional" as Christians. Jesus spoke these words to explain His mission to the world and the mission that His followers were being commended to. To be a Christ follower is to be present in the community, to make Jesus known, and to share His love with others. Jesus sends us out to accomplish His mission in the world, that we may be His agents, His hands, His feet in the world. Mission ought not be a "program" in the church, but it should be the essence of the church. We ought to be reaching out to others in Jesus' name and in His love.

I have been considering this idea of mission lately, and have been reminded that we ought to find deliberate ways to reach others/ be missional: in our workplace, in our interactions with the community, with our neighbours, in our families. I am encouraged by the ministry of Jean in our church who works with The Pregnancy Care Centre (www.pregnancycarecentre.org) providing help and care for women facing difficult decisions and circumstances. "People to trust. People with compassion. Pleople who care." What a fantastic way to demonstrate Jesus to others - to those who need help, and need love, and have nowhere else to turn because of how people likely judge them in their situation.

Jean embodies what it means to be missional, and I pray that she continues to have a fruitful and rewarding ministry there, as she lets her light shine before others so they may see her good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven. (Matt 5:16)

I Will Rise

2009-03-06T23:59:00.002-05:00

One of my favourite parts of playing in the Quench band is looking for new music. There are a lot of incredibly talented musicians that put out some incredible tunes (Lincoln Brewster been in my CD player for the past few weeks). Every so often, I find a song that I can really connect - and this past week, I found another one of these types of songs. It's called "I Will Rise", and it's written by Chris Tomlin. Check out the video...

On my coffee break at work, I usually check out TSN, CNN, and CTV-Toronto (in that order) to stay on top of what's happening in the world. This past week, the news stories that stick out in my head include:

a popular recording artist showing up in court for beating his girlfriend
a husband being sought by police in the US for killing his family
unemployment rates hitting a 25-year low in the US
a 17 year-old and a 19 year-old on trial for murdering a 14 year-old friend on New Years Day, 2008
More bodies of dead Canadian soldiers arriving home to be buried

We are facing a world that is in great turmoil - and yet often, these global issues are compounded by the personal issues that we all (friends, neighbours, classmates) struggle with on a daily basis. A few weeks ago, I also found out that a childhood friend had taken his own life - and in his final note to his family, he admitted that he simply couldn't live anymore with the demons he faced on a daily basis.

While I considered all these things, this song's lyrics really struck a chord with me. I know that I get so caught up in life that I forget the simple truths this song talks about. I hope that you find this lyrics encouraging, especially in light of all the things we face in today's world.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

The power of translation...

2009-02-26T16:10:00.003-05:00

Since the first week of January, my wife and I have been making every attempt to keep on schedule with our church's goal of "one year through the Bible." (at a low point, we were two weeks behind, but we've cut that number down to 4 days!) Over the past few week, we've really started to step things up and catch up...and there was a small change that correlates directly with this pattern.

When we started doing our readings, we would both be reading from our NIV Bibles...Bibles that we were both raised on (I've never had anything but an NIV Bible...I even went through the ranks, starting with a blue 'kids' version, on to the slightly larger 'teen' version, and now I've graduated to the 'study' version of the Bible). Reading from the NIV was, well, fine. It was what we were used to, after all.

But last week, we picked up a chronological New Living Translation version, and I will admit that these readings have taken on a whole new appeal for me. Where the NIV was very formal, the NLT is more relaxed. Where the NIV uses phrasing that I'd have to read three times to understand, the NLT opts for the more concise approach. Our readings have taken on a new light for me, and I find myself now spending time focusing on what the verses are saying, and less time re-reading phrases to understand their point.

I've read the criticisms of the NLT. I also know there's criticisms of the NIV, and likely most other translations out there. But at the end of the day...if something gets you reading the Bible more, is that not a good thing? I also understand that different translations afford different benefits, and everybody is reading for a different purpose - but I wanted to write a few lines today to encourage you to explore the options out there if you've found that you've hit a brick wall with your readings/study time.....and if you're overwhelmed with choice when you get to your neighbourhood store/website, consider this my vote for a good look at the NLT options!

(If you want a more detailed review on this Bible, check out this page or this page for some other people's thoughts.)

Reading through the Bible

2009-02-19T09:45:00.003-05:00

Richvale has begin reading through the Bible together, and what a blessing it has been. In particular, we have been reading through "Chronologically" and it's been interesting to see how the Bible comes together in this way, and gives us a greater appreciation of Scripture as a whole.

Each Sunday, as we come around the Communion Table to remember Jesus Christ, we begin with a thought from that week's reading that spurs our thoughts towards the cross of Christ. Last Sunday we considered how God covenants with us, and particularly the Covenant of Law from Exodus - and how only through Christ are we able to fulfill our obligations as Christ mediates for us before God, and draws us back into covenant relationship with the Father. It is amazing to consider how God could make such a provision for us, in spite of our failings. God be praised!

Quito-bound...

2009-01-27T19:12:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about this post for a long time. In theory, I should have written this quite a while ago (sorry John...) - but the more I've though about it, the more I've realized that I need to be honest with you...and before I could do that, I needed to be honest with myself.

The truth is that two weeks ago, I had no idea why I was going to Ecuador. That being said, two weeks ago I was pumped about the opportunity to visit Quito, and share God's love with the people there. I was excited that I was going to have the opportunity to go somewhere new, expand my horizons, and (hopefully) make a difference in somebody's life. And I'm still excited about all that.

As I thought more and more about this blog, I've realized that there's something lacking in my life - and I'm starting to realize that what I'm lacking is a good dose of perspective and reality. The life I live is far from the norm...everyday, while I sit in front of the TV, children are dying in Gaza. Thousands and thousands of people have been displaced and are living in UN relief camps in Africa. And people in Quito live in communities built in dumps - a place where most of us wouldn't even venture to throw out a few bags the garbageman forgot to pick up last week.

This is all happening while I'm caught up in the fact that Grissom has left CSI for good.

Now, we don't know exactly what we're doing in Quito yet (or at least, I don't know). We're meeting next week to talk about that. But here's some stats from one project that Extreme Response runs...

(taken from http://extremeresponse.org/projects/carmenbajo/)
"Although situated within the city limits of the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the intense poverty of the community of Carmen Bajo is something you would expect in a much more remote location. Dirt floors are common and running water is a scarce luxury. Houses do not have foundations and are routinely washed away by the downpours of the rainy season. Unemployment in the community is high (roughly 70%), and most jobs that are held are manual labor - maids, factory workers, masons and plumbers. Although it is a benefit to have employment, this often carries the parents, or sole parent, to distant areas in the city, leaving their children alone. There are approximately 500 families in the area, with an average of 4 children per household, or roughly 2000 children in the neighborhood. The church sponsored school is the only one in the area and there are no medical facilities at all."

I'm going to Quito because I believe that God has a whole lot to teach me about myself, others, and His love - and it's waiting for me on the other end of the plane ride.

Why I am headed to Ecuador this summer....

2009-01-23T23:24:00.005-05:00

The past couple of years have been a time of significant change in my life. One of those changes has been the development of a passion for South and Central America. I have always enjoyed learning about various cultures, especially getting to know people and relating to them. When the opportunity came to join a team going to Ecuador this summer I immediately felt a desire to go. Since being in Panama 2 years ago, I have longed to go to parts of South America both to learn more and to share the love of Jesus Christ. It amazed me how in Panama so many people believe in God and know about Jesus but have never truly experienced a personal intimate relationship with Him. I can recall no greater joy than seeing someone understanding for the first time what it means to truly be able to talk to God, the creator of the Universe, and be right with Him. What is especially drawing me to Ecuador is the opportunity to be actively helping people not only (and most importantly) in a spiritual way but also through meeting their physical needs. I love to learn about people and I know that they will impact my life as much as I impact theirs. I sincerely desire to help make their lives better through whatever means I can. I realize that might just be taking the time to show someone I care. So, why Ecuador when Toronto has so many needs? That is a difficult question to answer. It is something I am still working out in my mind. All is I can say is that last time I went away I came back with a greater desire to make an impact in my own surroundings, my own neighbourhood. Also there was a new confidence in being able to help. It is sometimes more intimidating to meet your neighbour and talk about God than it is to talk to a stranger who lives on another continent. Perhaps this trip will give me a renewed courage and boldness to step into peoples’ lives here in my community and meet needs…knowing I was capable of doing it before elsewhere. -Elizabeth

Church as Community

2008-12-09T10:13:00.004-05:00

The Greek word that is most commonly used for “church” is Ekklesia. Many a Pastor has preached a sermon on the meaning of the Church today based on the root meanings of that word as being literally, “the called out ones”. We understand from such teaching that we are to be removed or separated from the world around us and ought to pursue holiness and faith.

This definition places an emphasis on the individual, whose responsibility it is to keep themselves pure and unblemished from the world. The church then becomes a collection of individuals struggling to realise this higher calling in their lives. I’m not so sure that this is what was intended for us, We must seek to put such words into context if we are to truly understand the intended meaning of the thought. When we do this with this word, we begin to see the larger thought intended. Ronald J Sider does an excellent job in presenting a theology of the church as a community rather than just the collection of individuals. Sider bases this on his study of salvation and the church, as taught by Jesus, which has to do with our participation in the kingdom of God.

To best understand this kingdom teaching, let us consider the messianic hope of the prophets. Sider points out that, “When God called His chosen people out of Egypt, he wanted them, as a society, to be a visible demonstration of God’s will for all. [The prophets] foresaw a future day when God’s Messiah would come to pour out the Spirit in a new way (Joel 2:28-29) and restore God’s people as a visible community living in right relationship with God, neighbour and earth.” Jesus the Messiah taught about the kingdom of God, and gathered to Himself a community, or as Sider suggests - a new society. The New Testament teaches this as well, showing that Christ, “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

The church then, is a community that is a visible demonstration of God to society. It acts in the power of the kingdom of God which is both present now, and to come in fullness. Although it is of course made up of individuals, its mission is to act as a whole in the world. If we fail to grasp this, we risk allowing the church to slip back into an institutional role instead of allowing it to powerfully participate as the kingdom of God in the world.

Being the visible demonstration of God to society truly is, "Living life in the power of God".

Religion, Family and Christ...

2008-12-02T09:29:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, being the "other" in our "every other Monday night" cycle, hubby and I hosted the College & Careers small group study. It's one of several small groups originating from Richvale Bible Chapel that meet at different homes throughout the week. We're currently reading through and discussing The End of Religion: Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus by Bruxy Cavey (Teaching Pastor of The Meeting House http://www.themeetinghouse.ca/themeetinghouse/myweb.php?hls=10061).

It's been an interesting discussion so far - we're being challenged to think about following the person of Christ, rather than a pre-determined set of rules. Something to definitely keep in mind with the expectations, either real or imagined, of the Christmas season that is rapidly approaching. I don't know about anyone else, but, due to family issues, there have been many years I would have preferred to skip over the last two weeks of December and jump right into January! However, as we were reminded in Sunday's sermon, this time of year (Advent) is intended to be a time of reflection - not on what we want or desire, not on how we can "fix" our dysfunctional families - but on Christ's first coming and His eagerly anticipated second coming. Perhaps if I allow that to fill my mind, there will be no room for bitterness and anger against family members to take root and grow. Definitely something for me to chew on over the next few weeks!

Advent is...

2008-11-30T21:36:00.003-05:00

Advent is a time that encourages us in two ways - reflection and anticipation.Through reflection we discover that we are loved - enabling us to love others. Advent also reminds us of our anticipation of what is to come. Looking around at our world - a world filled with pain and hurt, we are reminded that one day things will be different. One day our Saviour will return and bring with him Peace, Love and Reconciliation.

And while we continue to anticipate this return, we journey into the hurting places around us and bring a message of Hope.

-Jordan Donald

What is Baptism?

2008-11-27T15:21:00.001-05:00

Baptism is a public proclamation of what they believe in, and how they wish to live their lives.

1. They are acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that they now belong to Him, and that He is their personal Saviour.
2. They are also witnessing to the fact that the Holy Spirit now indwells in them, providing spiritual strength and guidance – the apostle Peter told a crowd of Jews 2000 years ago to, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
3. They are proclaiming that Jesus Christ died for our sins and through His death and resurrection provides eternal life – the promise of eternal life is absolute – the familiar words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

4. They are indicating how they will live their lives – how they will serve the Lord and live in a manner worthy of Him, turning away from sin, but acknowledging that when they do sin, and we all sin, as the apostle John points out, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

This public proclamation acknowledges what they have known and believed since they accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour. Age is not a criteria for baptism. You may be young or old, but you must have accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour.

Baptism is symbolic of what has already happened in our lives – the act of Baptism is not the basis for salvation, it does not change the person or their relationship with God – as the apostle Paul writes that Jesus Christ, “saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” The simple act of immersion is a symbolic witness.

Baptism is obedience to the example and command of the Lord Jesus Christ - He himself was baptised in the Jordan by John the Baptist, the same one who upon seeing Jesus coming toward him proclaimed, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” and when Jesus was baptised, tried to deter him saying, I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me now?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper fur us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Santa Claus Parade 2008

2008-11-26T13:18:00.005-05:00

Once again we had the opportunity to be involved in the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade. The parade day was pretty chilly, and a few snow flakes were flying, forcing us to work at keeping warm.

Our goal is to demonstrate the Christmas story, and each year the physical layout of the float changes a bit. On our float are angels, shepherds, wise men and Mary & Joseph. (Plus a few stuffed sheep of course!) Walking alongside the float are church members who are distributing candy canes that have been stuffed with a card with the church name on it, and “The story of the candy cane” for them to read.

Perhaps it seems a bit crazy that a church gets excited about the Santa Claus parade, but we have found it to be a significant opportunity to be active in the community, and to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas.

Our message is clear… “Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ.”